Best Dog Friendly Guide in Southbank Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Southbank doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Iris Mill and The New Mill are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Southbank sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Southbank is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Mia’s — 261 Chapel Avenue, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mia’s has been operating in Southbank for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Bright Table — 355 Henry Crescent, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: groups

The Bright Table has been operating in Southbank for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Marco Table — 365 James Grove, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Marco Table has been operating in Southbank for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Southern Social — 59 Station Street, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Southern Social has been operating in Southbank for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Vera Works — 164 James Grove, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Vera Works has been operating in Southbank for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

The Southbank That Locals Know

Southbank is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Southbank’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Southbank, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. The Common Press — 120 Chapel Avenue, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Common Press has been operating in Southbank for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Zara Kitchen — 335 James Grove, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: dates

Zara Kitchen has been operating in Southbank for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. The Southern Standard — 144 Henry Crescent, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Southern Standard has been operating in Southbank for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Southbank roaster — ask which one.

9. Anchor — 276 Chapel Avenue, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Anchor has been operating in Southbank for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Kai’s — 231 Chapel Avenue, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Kai’s has been operating in Southbank for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the best version in Southbank Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Rex Place — 91 High Place, Southbank VIC 3013

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex Place has been operating in Southbank for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Southbank Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Melbourne Cbd Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
• Southbank Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Southbank Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Southbank stacks up
• All Southbank Guides — everything we’ve written about Southbank

FAQ

Is Southbank worth visiting?

Yes. Southbank has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Southbank known for?

Southbank is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

What is Southbank best known for?

Nina House is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Southbank from Melbourne CBD?

Southbank is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Southbank won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026